Poots announces largest amount of Direct Payments for day one | Newry Times
A total of £301,755,000 in Direct Payments will issue to Northern Ireland farmers on the first day of payments for 2021, Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots MLA, has announced.
Payments will issue to 23,393 farmers (98% of eligible applicants) on 18 October.
This is the largest amount ever paid out to farmers on day one of the payment window.
This includes 91% of farm businesses selected for inspection in 2021.
Announcing the payments, Minister Poots explains, “I am delighted to confirm that 98% of local farmers will be issued a total of £301million in Direct Payments on 18 October.
“As a result of exiting the EU, this is the second year the Department has been able to issue payments in one go, which in turn has represented the largest amount ever issued by my Department on the first day of payments.
“As I announced at the Balmoral Show, payments have been increased by 6.29% this year to ensure that all funding ring-fenced for this purpose is used.”
Minister Poots continues, “I wish to express my thanks to staff within my Department who have worked diligently to ensure that hard-pressed farming families receive these vital payments as soon as possible.
“These payments represent the bulk of farm businesses’ annual income.
“Maximising payments issued on day one improves the financial viability of these businesses and the wider rural economy,” he adds.
The small number of remaining applications will continue to be verified by DAERA, with payments being released daily from 18 October onwards.
Payment letters will issue by post to all customers, but can also be viewed online immediately via DAERA Online Services.
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Posted by NewryTimes News
on Oct 20 2021. Filed under Politics.
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